COVID-19 restrictions lifting in England but everybody should continue to act carefully and remain cautious

From Monday 19 July, Step 4 of the roadmap will commence which means the following takes place:

• You will not need to stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with. There will also be no limits on the number of people you can meet.
• However, in order to minimise risk at a time of high prevalence, you should limit the close contact you have with those you do not usually live with, and increase close contact gradually. This includes minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.
• Meet outdoors where possible and let fresh air into homes or other enclosed spaces.
• The Government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can. However, the Government expects and recommends a gradual return over the summer.
• The requirement to wear face coverings in law will be lifted. However, the Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport.
• There will no longer be limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, civil partnerships, funerals and other life events (including receptions and celebrations). There will be no requirement for table service at life events, or restrictions on singing or dancing. You should follow guidance for weddings and funerals to reduce risk and protect yourself and others.
• There will no longer be restrictions on group sizes for attending communal worship.

Further information on the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions can be found here (links opens in new window)

Despite restrictions being replaced by guidance on Monday, we must all remain vigilant and play our part to stop COVID-19 spreading in our community. COVID-19 has not gone away, so it’s important to remember the actions you can take to keep yourself and others safe. Everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious.

We strongly recommend that you continue to do the following:

• Keep washing and sanitising your hands regularly
• Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and crowded areas such as public transport
• Take regular lateral flow tests if you are asymptomatic or take a PCR test if you have COVID-19 symptoms
• Book your COVID-19 vaccination if you haven't already. Make sure you also have your second vaccination appointment booked in as soon as possible
• Socialise outdoors wherever possible, but if you are meeting up with others indoors, let fresh air in and keep the area well ventilated
• Use the COVID-19 NHS app and follow the self-isolation advice. You have to self-isolate for 10 full days if you have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have been in close contact with someone who has it.

You can find general advice plus any impacts on council services on our coronavirus advice page.

Please visit our web page for financial support during coronavirus.